New Generation Santa Fe named the safest in its class of 2012

New Generation Santa Fe is rated as the safest 'Large Off-Road 4x4' in 2012

Best-in-class Euro NCAP results in all categories

Further evidence of Hyundai's commitment to the highest safety standards

Offenbach, 23 January 2013

The Hyundai New Generation Santa Fe has been named as the safest car in its class assessed by Euro NCAP during 2012. Its scores across all test categories were best-in-class, making it one of the safest vehicles ever tested by the independent vehicle assessment organisation and the best in the ‘Large Off-Road 4x4’ segment
–
ahead of the Mercedes-Benz M-Class and Range Rover.

Of the 36 vehicles tested during 2012, the eight top-performers in their segments have been recommended by Euro NCAP for their leading levels of safety across a range of assessments. In the ‘adult occupant’ category, New Generation Santa Fe scored 96% with maximum points in the side barrier test. In the
‘
child
occupant
’
category, the D-segment SUV received a score of 89%, and features such as electronic stability control contributed to the car’s score of 86% in the ‘safety assist’ category.

In a further demonstration of Hyundai’s commitment to safety, the New Generation Santa Fe is the brand’s first car to be equipped with an active hood. This activates if a pedestrian is hit, reducing impact forces and reducing the risk of serious injury. The result of this is a ‘pedestrian safety’ score of 71%, making the New Generation Santa Fe stand out among its rivals in this category with the nearest high score being 63%.

Allan Rushforth, Senior Vice President and COO of Hyundai Motor Europe, commented, “Having the New Generation Santa Fe recommended by Euro NCAP as the safest car in its class demonstrates Hyundai’s the commitment to the safety of its customers and other road users. The car’s inherent safety combined with low CO2, high levels of equipment and emotional design make the New Generation Santa Fe the complete package for European buyers.”

The New Generation Santa Fe is the latest of a long line of Hyundai models to achieve the maximum five-star score in Euro NCAP’s rigorous assessment program, following the top ratings achieved by the New i20, ix20, ix35, i40, Veloster and the New Generation i30.

Every New Generation Santa Fe on sale in Europe comes with Hyundai’s Five Year Triple Care. This award-winning customer assurance package includes a five-year warranty with no mileage limit, five years of roadside assistance and five years of vehicle health checks.

Established in 1967, Hyundai Motor Co. has grown into the Hyundai Motor Group, with more than two dozen auto-related subsidiaries and affiliates. Hyundai Motor -- which has seven manufacturing bases outside of South Korea including Brazil, China, the Czech Republic, India, Russia, Turkey and the U.S. -- sold 4.4 million vehicles globally in 2012. Hyundai Motor, which employs over 80,000 worldwide, offers a full line-up of products including small to large passenger vehicles, SUVs and commercial vehicles. Further information about Hyundai Motor and its products is available at
www.hyundai.com
.

About Hyundai Motor Europe

In 2011, Hyundai achieved record sales in Europe of 398.129 units, taking a best-ever 2,9% market share. In May 2011, Hyundai achieved a landmark, passing 5.000.000 sales in Europe since imports began in 1977. The company designs, engineers and manufactures cars in Europe, specifically for European customers. This includes the i30, which performed as Hyundai’s top-selling model in 2011, with 96.000 units sold. Hyundai sells cars in 28 European countries across 2.500 outlets.

More information about Hyundai Motor Europe and its products is available at
www.hyundai.com/eu
.